The Feud

by Kimberley Chambers

  Patrick handed Eddie a cigar. ‘No, it’s not the work of people like us, Eddie. This is what I’m trying to tell you. I know Jimmy’s a traveller, but he’s a family man and, like us, he has rules. I know your old man shot his, but if he wanted revenge, he would have returned it the same way. Can you honestly see him ransacking your dad’s house and torturing him? Jimmy ain’t a bad geezer deep down and that ain’t his style. He has standards, for fuck’s sake.’

  Eddie accepted a light and urged Patrick to go back inside. ‘Shout me up a large Scotch. I just need five minutes to meself,’ he told him.

  Patrick nodded. ‘Promise me you’ll think about what I’ve said, Eddie. I’m friendly with both you and Jimmy and I’d hate to see your feud reignited for no reason. You’ve got to think of your wife, Eddie, your children. Do you really want to put them in danger?’ If you start a war, how do you know your family won’t be caught up in the crossfire? You’ve got to let sleeping dogs lie on this one, Ed. Jimmy O’Hara never killed your father.’

  Eddie watched the big man walk away. Patrick Murphy was no man’s fool and deep down, Eddie knew that what he was saying made sense. Waiting for the police to release his dad’s body had made his brain go all wonky. It couldn’t have been Jimmy O’Hara, it wasn’t his style and he had a cast-iron alibi.

  As Jessica walked towards him, Eddie smiled at her.

  ‘Are you OK? I was worried about you. Why are you out here on your own?’

  Eddie held his arms out and hugged his wife tightly. Jessica was his life and he’d never do anything to endanger the welfare of her and the kids, not in a million years.

  TWENTY-FIVE

  In the weeks that followed Harry’s funeral, Eddie got himself back into his usual routine.

  As he and the police had drawn a blank on the identity of his father’s killer, Eddie had little option other than to throw himself into his work. Since Christmas, he had let things slip, but he was determined not to fuck up the Mitchell reputation his dad had fought so hard to create in the first place.

  The nightmares of what had happened still haunted Eddie. Many a night, he would get up about 3 or 4 a.m. and sit downstairs drinking endless cups of tea. Jessica had been a real star. She was very supportive and, if he was having a black day, she was gentle and understanding.

  ‘For fuck’s sake, Dad. Three times I’ve asked you the same question and you still ain’t answered me.’

  ‘Sorry, Rick, I was miles away, son. What were you saying?’

  Ricky stood up. ‘Forget it. It’s my round. Same again?’

  Eddie nodded. It was his forty-seventh birthday today. Jessica was at home preparing for a dinner party for him. It would be the first time they’d entertained at home since his dad’s untimely death.

  Gary and Ricky had declined the invitation of a quiet night in. ‘We’re going to a rave up town, Dad, but we’ll take you out for a beer in the day,’ they’d told him.

  Eddie hadn’t minded. They were only in their early twenties and he had been exactly the same himself at their age.

  Ricky handed his brother and father their drinks.

  ‘What exactly is all this rave shit you keep on about?’ he asked his sons.

  Gary laughed. ‘If you ain’t heard of raves, Dad, then you must be getting old.’

  ‘They’re a new thing out. Word has it, they’re gonna sweep the country this summer. The music’s blinding, Dad. They play house music. Everyone gets out of their nuts and they go on all night long,’ Ricky added.

  ‘You two ain’t fucking taking drugs, are you?’ Eddie asked.

  Gary shook his head. ‘We just get pissed and pull all the birds, Dad,’ he lied.

  Neither Gary nor Ricky were really into drugs, but ecstasy tablets were a new thing out, and they liked to drop an occasional one. They liked the ones called American burgers. They were proper happy pills and you could dance all night on them. These raves went on for hours and without something in your system to keep you going, you’d be as out of place as a pig in a synagogue.

  ‘So, who’s coming round yours tonight?’ Ricky asked his father.

  ‘Raymondo’s bringing Polly, his bit of posh, round. We ain’t met her yet. He was bringing her round Boxing Day but, obviously, when Grandad was found dead, he didn’t. Vicki and Dougie are coming and I’ve also invited Patrick Murphy and his old woman.’

  ‘Well, I hope you have a good night, Dad. How are the twins? Will they be there?’ Gary asked.

  Eddie smiled. ‘They’re OK. They didn’t wanna sit in with their old dad, either, so they’re pissing off out. Jess worries when they go to these parties and stuff, but they’re nearly sixteen and all their friends are allowed to go and come home late. I always give ’em cab money to get themselves home, mind. I’ve told them the day I find out they’ve been pocketing the money and walking home is the day I put me foot down.’

  As their dad went to the toilet, Ricky turned to Gary. ‘Shall we give him the present now?’

  Gary took the black velvet box out of his pocket. The lads had clubbed together and brought their father a new watch. It was a Rolex and had cost them a fucking fortune.

  ‘Happy birthday, Dad. That’s from the two of us,’ Gary said, as Eddie returned to the table.

  Eddie was choked as he opened the box. ‘Fucking hell! It’s beautiful, but you shouldn’t have spent that kind of dough. A shirt would have done me. I’d rather see yous spend your money on yourselves.’

  ‘You’ve always been a great dad to us and this is the first year we’ve been in a position to buy you something decent,’ Gary insisted.

  Eddie took his old watch off and put the new one on. ‘I love it,’ he said truthfully.

  Ricky glanced at his brother. ‘We’re gonna have to go in a minute, Gal. We promised Mum we’d be there by three.’

  ‘How is your mother?’ Eddie asked.

  Gary sighed. ‘She ain’t been well, Dad. The doctor’s told her she’ll be dead in two years if she don’t knock the drink on the head. She’s so thin now and her skin looks kind of yellow.’

  Eddie shook his head sadly. ‘I know me and your mother were never Romeo and Juliet, but I’m sorry to hear that. Go on, yous get going, and tell your mum, if she needs money or anything, she knows where I am.’

  Gary and Ricky said their goodbyes and left. Eddie ordered himself another drink and sat at the table alone. He’d met his sons in a pub in Aveley where no one knew him. It was nice to have a quiet bevvy and be anonymous for once. Glancing at his new watch, Eddie smiled. Gary and Ricky had always been thoughtful and generous. From the age of five upwards, they’d made or bought him nice presents. Frankie and Joey were the opposite. The twins had been given far too much from an early age and they’d grown up in their own little world. They rarely remembered his or Jessica’s birthdays and, even though they received plenty of pocket money, they never bothered spending it on anyone other than themselves.

  Deep in thought, Eddie didn’t notice the man walk towards him.

  ‘Eddie, how are you, mush? I was sorry to hear about your father. Our families might never have been muckers, but your old man didn’t deserve to die like that. This is Alice, my wife. Can I get you a drink?’

  Looking at Jimmy O’Hara’s outstretched hand, Eddie didn’t know whether to break it or shake it. Not wanting to make a scene, he did neither. ‘I can’t stop. My Jess is expecting me back. We’re having people round for dinner later,’ he said abruptly.

  As Eddie stood up, Jimmy nodded to Alice to make herself scarce. ‘Go and get the drinks,’ he ordered.

  Alone with Eddie, Jimmy faced up to him. ‘I know you probably think your old boy’s death was something to do with me, but it weren’t. Life’s too short to hold grudges and if I was gonna retaliate for your father shooting mine, I’d have done it in an honourable way. At one point, I was desperate to get my revenge, but I’m not fiery like I used to be, Eddie. Losing my Alice gave me the kick in the bollocks I needed. My family come first now and I
don’t want no feud with anyone. I would never jeopardise losing Alice and my kids again, ever.’

  Eddie stared into Jimmy’s eyes. He was quite an expert on reading people by their behaviour and expressions and he came to the conclusion that O’Hara was either telling the truth or was a fucking top-drawer liar. More confused than ever about his father’s death, Eddie said his goodbyes and left the pub.

  Later that evening, Jessica smiled as Eddie launched into yet another one of his anecdotes. She’d been worried that tonight might be too much for him but, thankfully, she had been wrong. Eddie was on top form and she was relieved he was back to his old self.

  ‘There’s plenty more to eat in the kitchen. Is anyone still hungry?’ she asked.

  With everyone telling her they were full to the brim, Jessica started to clear the table. She had chosen an Italian menu for the dinner party and the food had gone down a treat.

  Eddie poured his friends another drink. He was a bit unsure about Polly, Raymond’s bird. The girl was pleasant enough, but spoke with a plum in her chops.

  ‘No more for me, thanks, Eddie. Three is my limit,’ Polly told him firmly.

  With everybody sorted, Eddie took a glass of wine out to Jessica in the kitchen. ‘She’s a funny one, Raymondo’s bird, ain’t she?’

  Jessica smiled. ‘I wouldn’t put her with our Raymond in a million years, but as long as she makes him happy, that’s all that matters.’

  ‘Do you reckon he’s fucking her? I can’t imagine her in the sack, can you? Oh, Raymond, please hurry up and shoot your load, the butler will be here soon,’ Eddie said, mimicking Polly’s posh tones.

  ‘Sssh, they might hear you,’ Jessica scolded him.

  Eddie could be such a piss-taker at times and she didn’t want him upsetting the wonderful evening they were having. Eddie tilted her chin and kissed her. ‘I think we should up our baby-making sessions from this week onwards – what do you say?’

  Jessica sighed. Tonight, she was more worried about the two she’d given birth to than about creating another. ‘I don’t like Frankie and Joey being allowed to stay out round their friends’ houses. It worries me sick. I mean, we don’t even really know the parents.’

  Frankie and Joey had gone to a sixteenth birthday party. The party was miles away, in Fulham, and Jessica had been dead against them going from the start.

  ‘But Mum, Dionne, was my best friend throughout most of my school years. It’s not her fault that her parents have moved to Fulham. I’m not going on my own, am I? I’ve got Joey to take care of me. Her mum said we can stay in the guest room and she’s going to call you to confirm,’ Frankie whinged.

  Jessica discussed it with Eddie and, in the end, they had decided to let the twins go. She hadn’t been able to get hold of Dionne’s mum, but had spoken to her older sister, who had confirmed the arrangements.

  ‘Shall I give them a call? Make sure they got there all right,’ Jessica asked Eddie.

  She had insisted that they take their father’s mobile phone so she could contact them to put her mind at rest.

  Eddie shook his head. ‘They’re nearly sixteen, Jess. We need to learn to trust them, not check up on them all the time. They’re good kids: they’ll be fine, trust me.’

  Joey and Frankie stood near the bar. The gay club was an eye-opener for both of them and they were overwhelmed by the atmosphere. The Dionne story had been a cover-up and their friend, Paige, had done a wonderful job pretending to be Dionne’s sister.

  ‘He’s nice. Look, the tall one with the blond hair who’s looking over.’

  Joey shook his head. ‘Nah, he ain’t my type.’

  Frankie smiled. She had promised Joey months ago that she would come to a gay club with him and this was their first visit. She could sense her brother’s excitement; he was like a kid in a sweet shop, bless him.

  ‘Talk to me Joey, quick. I’ve got some meaty lesbian making eyes at me.’

  Joey slung his arm around Frankie’s shoulder and ordered another drink. ‘Maybe you’re really into a bit of pussy. I mean, you don’t seem to get very far with boys, do you, Frankie?’ he said, winding her up.

  Frankie glared at him. ‘Fuck you, I’m not into women. I’m just fussy. I mean, look at the boys around our way, the ones that have asked me out. Would you fancy them?’

  Joey shook his head. He had finished with David a while back and, apart from him, there’d been no one else local to catch his eye. In a way, he could understand Frankie’s dilemma. ‘What type of bloke do you actually want?’ he asked his sister.

  Frankie shrugged. ‘We’ve been brought up with a certain lifestyle, Joey, so I’m hardly liable to date some mug. I want a bloke that’s gonna make me laugh, treat me like a princess, like Dad always has. To be honest, I suppose I’m looking for someone who is a bit like Dad. You’ve always been closer to Mum, but I ain’t.’

  Joey laughed. ‘So you’re looking for a scar-faced, top-class villain. That should be easy – why don’t I just place an ad in the local paper for you?’

  As usual, Frankie appreciated her brother’s wit. The pair of them had realised at an early age what sort of family they were part of, and often had a joke about it.

  ‘Joey, you’ve pulled again and this one is nice. He’s that gorgeous, if it turns out he ain’t a woofta, then I’ll have him. Look, standing over there, to your left.’

  Looking around, Joey spotted the bloke who was staring his way. The guy was older than him, probably well into his twenties. ‘Wow,’ Joey mumbled, as he felt his stomach lurch.

  Mr Gorgeous was well over six feet. He was wearing light stonewashed jeans and a tight-fitting white T-shirt. He had a perfect body, face and physique and was an absolute out-and-out sort. Aware of Mr Gorgeous smiling at him, Joey turned away. He felt like a fox startled by headlights. ‘He’s a lot older than me. I dunno,’ he said dubiously.

  Frankie burst out laughing. ‘He’s fucking amazing, what is wrong with you? Please don’t tell me you’ve dragged me all the way here and now you’re shit-scared to go for it.’

  Glancing back at the mystery bloke, Joey quickly looked away. ‘Go and get us another drink – and get me a double,’ he ordered his sister.

  Waving her money at the barman, Frankie couldn’t stop smiling. Her brother was such a funny bastard at times.

  ‘All right? My name’s Lisa. First time here, is it?’ asked a hefty woman with a skinhead.

  Frankie nodded. ‘I’m here because of my brother. He’s gay, not me.’

  The woman smiled. The newcomers all said that. In denial, the lot of them. ‘Let me buy the drinks,’ the skinhead bird said.

  Frankie refused. ‘Thanks, but no thanks,’she said curtly.

  The woman smiled at her. ‘It’s not unusual to be curious. You’re only young and sometimes it takes a while to come to terms with what you was born to be.’

  Frankie snatched the drinks off the barman. ‘I am not a fucking dyke, so will you sod off and pester someone else,’ she said angrily.

  Realising that his sister wasn’t happy about something, Joey went to her rescue. ‘Is everything OK? What’s the matter?’

  The shaven-haired woman scowled at him. ‘Your sister’s got issues, love,’ she said, walking away.

  As Frankie repeated the conversation, Joey couldn’t stop laughing. ‘Don’t laugh – it ain’t fucking funny. She thought I was a lesbo,’ Frankie said, fuming.

  Too busy winding Frankie up, Joey didn’t notice Mr Gorgeous walking his way.

  ‘Hi, my name’s Dominic. Can I buy you a drink?’

  Her brother’s startled expression amused Frankie immensely. ‘His name’s Joey and, yes, he’ll have a large vodka and orange. I’m Frankie, his twin sister, by the way.’

  Dominic shook Frankie’s hand and smiled. ‘And what would you like?’ he asked.

  ‘I’d just like my brother to meet someone as handsome as you and get himself laid,’ Frankie replied, grinning at Joey.

  Joey was horrified. Frankie co
uld be such a cow at times. ‘Take no notice. My sister can’t help having a mouth like a sewer,’ he said awkwardly.

  Dominic squeezed Joey’s arm. ‘Your sister can shout up the drinks. Come and dance with me,’ he said.

  Joey was petrified as he followed Dominic onto the dancefloor. His silly liaison with David was nothing compared to the way this guy made him feel. Dominic was a man, not some confused schoolboy.

  Chatting to a transvestite at the bar, Frankie watched her brother with interest. He and Dominic had been dancing for over ten minutes now and were getting on like a house on fire.

  As the DJ changed the tempo, Dominic took Joey in his arms. ‘Are you OK?’ he asked gently.

  Joey nodded. Truthfully, he felt anything but OK. His heart was beating like a drum, his palms were sweaty and he was talking rubbish. ‘I think I’m a little bit nervous. I’ve never done anything like this before,’ he admitted.

  Dominic smiled at him. This boy was so different from any of the others he had ever met. He was innocent and gorgeous. Aware that Dominic had an erection, Joey didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

  Conscious of Joey’s predicament, Dominic brushed his lips against his. He smiled and spoke softly. ‘Relax Joey. I’ll be gentle with you, I promise.’

  TWENTY-SIX

  Joey and Dominic’s relationship developed quickly and, within a few weeks of meeting, both of them were head over heels in love. The situation was awkward. Dominic lived near the Angel in Islington. He had a demanding job working as a money broker in the city. Joey was studying for his GCSEs and finding time to see one another regularly was virtually impossible.

  On a healthy wage, Dominic had his own property, a two-bedroom flat. He kept begging Joey to stay over, but Joey had only been able to do so twice.

  Dominic had a very manly voice, so Joey had given him his home telephone number and had told his parents that he and Frankie had met a new mate. Desperate not to arouse suspicion, he told Dominic to ask for either him or his sister if his dad or mum answered the phone.